SEVIERVILLE — The Sevier County Public Library System is offering cardholders an opportunity to clear overdue fines from their accounts throughout the month of November by donating non-perishable food items.
Under the system's "Food for Fines" promotional initiative, patrons can bring canned goods, dried food items, or jars of peanut butter to participating library branches. Donating two food items will clear any amount of overdue fines on a single library card, regardless of how much money is owed on the account.
The drive runs from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30 across three facility locations in Sevier County. Participating branches include the King Family Library at 408 High Street in Sevierville, the Williams Family Seymour Branch Library at 137 W. Macon Lane in Seymour, and the Gilreath Family Kodak Branch Library at 454 Kodak Road in Kodak.
According to library system details, patrons with accumulated overdue fines can opt to trade two canned or dried items, two jars of peanut butter, or any combination of two qualifying items to clear their balances. The program is designed both to resolve outstanding late fees for local residents and to assist local food banks during the upcoming holiday season.
The library system specified that the fine-waiver policy applies strictly to overdue material fines. The program does not apply to fees associated with lost items. Cardholders who have lost library materials will still be required to pay the full replacement cost of the items as well as the standard processing fees associated with replacing lost materials.
All food collected through the drive will be distributed directly to charitable organizations serving Sevier County families. Donations collected at the King Family Library in Sevierville and the Gilreath Family Kodak Branch Library will be presented to Sevier County Food Ministries. Food items brought to the Williams Family Seymour Branch Library will benefit CROSS Food Ministries located in Seymour.
Residents seeking additional information regarding the Food for Fines event can contact the library system by telephone at (865) 453.3532.
The program provides a practical way for library users to regain full access to library borrowing services while simultaneously providing essential nutrition supplies to local assistance programs during November.
